Blowing The Trumpet In Jubilee
Sunday, January 28
Leviticus 25:9 (NIV)
“Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land.”
Devotion
It's easy to focus on all the promises and benefits of the year of Jubilee: debts forgiven, slaves set free, property returned. And we should all praise the Lord for these benefits that are a foreshadowing of the dead in Christ rising first with the sound of the trumpet of God. But at the end of a fast, we must also be mindful of the instructions that accompany both Jubilee and fasting, as summarized in Isaiah 58. Let us double-check ourselves that we meet the requirements to lay hold of the promises.
“Is this not the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6) Are we oppressing anyone through a heavy yoke, unforgiveness, manipulation, gossip, tempting them to sin, or broken promises? Look at it holistically, even being late in child support payments is an oppression of the mother and child.
“Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to turn away from your flesh and blood?” (Isaiah 58:7) Let's remember that pure and faultless religion goes beyond fasting and church attendance, to care for widows and orphans in their distress. Let's do it in the name of Jesus as we lift his name in our communities.
“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall quickly appear; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:8)
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for caring for me and providing for my needs, and often so much more. Hallelujah for the atonement of Jesus Christ! I look forward to the ultimate Jubilee in heaven. While I am here on earth, help me not to fear or be selfish with what You have provided. Make me wise in my giving so that it is in line with Your priorities. Lead me in Your paths of righteousness. I want to experience Jubilee in my life as well as my spirit. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Read Isaiah 58, and ask God to show you what you may still have to do so He can fulfill all those precious promises in your life.
Resources:
- This weekend marks the conclusion of the Fast. Share Your Testimony, we would love to hear from you.
- Be encouraged to step out in faith to fulfill what God has called you to, and trust in His provision by watching the message, “4 Ways God Will Provide.”